Michigan / Lake County / Manistee National Forest / Manistee National Forest - Baldwin Ranger District

Bowman Bridge

Closed — Closed for the season. Opens May 3, 2025 and operates through October 10. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.

About

Bowman Bridge Campground offers a peaceful retreat along the Pere Marquette National Scenic River within the Huron-Manistee National Forests. The campground sits on a popular stretch of the river flowing through federal land, where the sandy bottom with interspersed gravel beds and waters up to 5 feet deep create ideal conditions for paddling and fishing. Anglers target brown trout, salmon, steelhead and rainbow trout in the clear waters below. The campground provides a connector trail to the North Country National Scenic Trail, a 4,600-mile path weaving through seven states. Visitors can observe natural recovery from a tornado that swept through the area several years ago. Watercraft rentals are available at two nearby liveries in Baldwin, and a permit is required to float the river from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, with watercraft hours limited to 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during permit season. The surrounding area features large blocks of public land offering opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, photography, and hunting. Nearby attractions include the Bowman Lake Foot Travel Area and the historic community of Idlewild. The campground offers single sites, double sites, and group sites, with restrooms available but no potable water on-site.

Directions

From Baldwin, turn west on 7th Street, then left onto Cherry Street. Take the first right onto W 52nd Street and drive 5 miles. The entrance is located on the right.

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